CHL Playoffs Game Night 4/16: Goliath Falls

The Everett Silvertips entered the 2007 WHL Playoffs with the league's best record, its top seed, and the top ranking in the entire Canadian Hockey League. In fact, Everett was ranked No.1 in the CHL 14 of the last 15 weeks of the season. They entered Game 3 of their Western Conference Semifinals series with Prince George with a 2 games to 0 lead on the Cougars, seemingly coasting to the WHL Conference Finals.

My, how things change.

Prince George would win Game 3, then proceed to win a total of 4 straight against a team that never lost 2 games in a row until the last week of the season when their playoff positioning was clinched.

On Monday night in their own barn, Prince George demolished the top-ranked Silvertips 8-2. There was little drama as the Cougars held a 6-0 lead entering the third period and by the 12 minute mark had a 8-1 lead.

The loss by Everett means the junior career for Lightning prospect Dane Crowley is likely over. Crowley, acquired by the Silvertips as a "final piece" to their defense for a championship run at the trade deadline, had an even rating and an assist for Everett in Game 6. He also had a minor penalty. For the series, Crowley had just that assist to go with a minus-3 rating. He finishes the playoffs with no goals and 3 assists in 12 games, with a minus-1 rating and 8 PIM. Crowley is a strong candidate for a professional contract from the Lightning and could be placed in Johnstown (ECHL) or Norfolk (AHL) next season.

The win by Prince George means Lightning prospect Vladimir Mihalik moves on to the conference finals. Mihalik had an assist and a plus-3 rating in Game 6 for the Cougars. He also had a fight at the end of the second period with Everett's Kyle Beach. Mihalik finished the series with 1 goal and 2 assists for 3 points. He had a minus-1 rating and 13 PIM. For the playoffs, Mihalik is 1-2-3 in 10 games. He has an even rating and 15 PIM so far in the playoffs.

Prince George will meet B.C. Division rival Vancouver in the Conference Finals beginning Friday. (Preview coming later this week)